Janni Baugh, real property specialist, Capital Projects

Nick Stewart, real property specialist, Capital Projects

Jason Grohs, system engineer II, Capital Projects

Brian Runyan, mini-run operator, Powell

James Ryan, bus operator Powell

The TriMet Way Award is given to individuals throughout the year who are committed to creating a culture of service excellence by thinking "safety first" and demonstrating their commitment to be responsive, act inclusively, solve problems creatively and do the right thing.

There are now 13.9 million workers who are looking for work and cannot find it; the figure nearly doubles if you include workers who are part-time but want to be employed full-time, and workers who want to work but have stopped looking.

The two sides presented their cases to the arbitrator Thursday, and a decision is expected in quick order. Under rules imposed by voters last fall, the arbitrator, whose decision will be binding, must take into account the impact the new Muni contract will have on fares and service, a scenario that could favor management.

The term Smart Alec is quite fitting for ALEC. The phrase derives from a mid-19th century con artist named Alec Hoag who worked with his wife to scam money and jewelry from hundreds of men in Manhattan. Alec's wife would pose as a prostitute, and Alec would steal her "customers'" belongings while they were distracted. The couple avoided arrest by bribing two local police officers. Given the impact that ALEC's legislative proposals have on every day Americans, the dishonest ways in which ALEC sells its policies, and the level of virtually bribery that occurs in our political system, the use of the phrase "Smart Alec" to describe ALEC seems especially appropriate.]